WhatsApp Is Testing Scheduled Updates for Channels

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that could make it easier for channel admins to manage their content. WhatsApp is testing scheduled updates for channels on Android, allowing admins to choose when an update should be published.

The feature is currently under development and has not reached beta testers yet. According to WABetaInfo, it was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.33.5.

WhatsApp Is Testing Scheduled Updates for Channels

With the upcoming feature, channel admins will be able to prepare an update and set a specific date and time for it to go live. WhatsApp will then publish the update automatically at the selected time.

Admins will not need to keep WhatsApp open or stay online when the update is published. The app will keep the scheduled update in a queue and deliver it at the chosen time.

To schedule an update, admins will reportedly need to press and hold the send button. WhatsApp will then show a date and time picker, allowing them to select when the update should appear.

Scheduled updates will also be listed in the channel information screen, where admins can manage them before publication.

Scheduling Window Could Range From 10 Minutes to Two Weeks

WhatsApp plans to use the same scheduling limits for channel updates as it is developing for regular chats and groups.

Admins will reportedly be able to schedule an update at least 10 minutes ahead. They can also schedule content up to two weeks in advance.

The 10-minute minimum could give admins enough time to review their content and make changes before publication. The two-week limit should also be useful for admins who plan their content several days in advance.

WhatsApp Is Also Developing Scheduled Messages

The channel scheduling feature builds on another tool WhatsApp is developing for chats and groups.

With scheduled messages, users will be able to select a date and time for WhatsApp to send a message automatically. They will also be able to view or delete scheduled messages before delivery.

WhatsApp now appears to be extending the same idea to channels, where timing can be particularly important.

Scheduled Posts Could Help Channel Admins

The new feature could be useful for publishers, businesses and other channel admins that post content at specific times.

Without scheduling, admins have to be available whenever they want to publish an update. This can become difficult when an audience lives in different time zones or when admins want to publish content outside their working hours.

Scheduled updates could solve this problem. Admins could prepare content in advance and let WhatsApp publish it automatically when their audience is more likely to see it.

Timing may be even more important for channels because a single update can reach a large number of followers at once. Posting at the right time could help admins get more attention and engagement from their audience.

Feature Still Under Development

WhatsApp is currently developing scheduled channel updates for Android. The feature is not available to beta testers at this stage.

The company has also not announced when it plans to release the feature to the public. WhatsApp may first make it available to a limited number of beta testers before expanding access.

For now, channel admins will have to wait for a future WhatsApp update to use scheduled posts. If the feature reaches a stable release, it could give channel owners a much easier way to plan and manage their content.